Pregnancy is an emotional rollercoaster. One day you may feel extremely happy; the next, you may feel anxious and gloomy. Most first-time to-be-moms are confused about their unstable emotions. Besides the mixed feelings of nurturing a life within you and going to meet your baby soon, other factors, such as hormonal changes and other physical changes due to pregnancy, can make you feel quite emotional. Here’s all you need to know about the emotional journey you can expect and how you can handle it efficiently.
What makes pregnant women hyper-emotional?
Pregnancy hormones! Yes, you read it right—higher levels of estrogen and progesterone cause mood swings. The mood swings are severe during the first and third trimesters. However, they may be present even during the second trimester. Some women also develop depression during pregnancy. It is difficult to distinguish between pregnancy mood swings and depression. Therefore, you must consult a mental health practitioner if you have the following symptoms for more than two weeks.
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Sleeping too much
- Fatigue
- Suicidal thoughts
- Thoughts of harming your baby
Can maternal mental health impact the unborn baby?
Intermittent mood swings usually do not affect the unborn baby. However, if your mental condition is more severe, it may impact the unborn child. Research conducted in 2016 revealed that anxiety and depression between 25-29 weeks could cause preterm birth. The same research concluded that anxiety at 30 gestational weeks could cause low birth weight. Adverse birth outcomes could be related to maternal mental distress. Therefore, it is essential to include psychological evaluation in the pregnancy healthcare plan.
How can you manage emotions during the second trimester?
Getting emotional and feeling overwhelmed is natural during pregnancy. However, some tips can help you manage your emotions.
- Exercise moderately: Gentle to moderate exercise during pregnancy has multiple benefits. One of the major benefits is that it helps to keep your emotions under control. Exercise releases the happy hormone endorphin that, helps manage stress and makes you happy.
- Take rest: Pregnancy is the time when your body needs adequate rest. Being hyperactive throughout the day can stress you and make you feel overwhelmed. Try to sleep 7-8 hours at night. Take rest whenever you can during the day.
- Eat healthy: Eating healthy will keep your emotions under control. Too much-processed food can make you feel irritable.
- Join a support group: If you feel alone and overwhelmed, you may join a support group for pregnant women. You may either join an online group or find something in your neighbourhood.
Conclusion
Mood swings and anxiety are natural during pregnancy. However, consult a mental health practitioner if you find it difficult to manage your emotions. Excessive emotional distress can be harmful to the baby.
Defined as the first three months of your baby’s life, 4th trimester is a time when the newborn is adjusting to life on the outside and you are equally adjusting to your new life and parental responsibilities on the inside.
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